The rate of buying businesses in Fresno County was down 2.5% from the level recorded in January of last year, according to BizBen.com.

A total of 40 small and mid-sized businesses were sold in Fresno County last month — one fewer than the number of sales completed in January 2009. Out of those sold, 27 were in Fresno, while four were sold in both Clovis and Sanger.   

“We’re getting the message from business brokers and other professionals and entrepreneurs in this market that business people were holding off last year to see what shape the economy would be in,” said Peter Siegel, founder and CEO of BIzBen.com. “They were hesitant to make a move. But we think that mood is changing both among people who want to sell and those interested in buying businesses.”

Siegel also pointed out that the closed escrow numbers for all of California were up 24% last month compared to January of 2009. “We hope to see this more proactive attitude reflected throughout the state,” he said. “It certainly will be welcome in Fresno, among the owners ready to retire and looking for strong buyers.”

Last month’s sales statistics by city for Fresno County are — Clovis: 4, Fresno: 27, Kerman: 1, Kingsburg: 1, Orange Cove: 1, Reedley: 1, Sanger: 4, Selma: 1. BizBen.com also reported there are about 60 Fresno County business opportunities on the market for sale.